The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) is a British research funding body that supports research and postgraduate study in the arts and humanities. One of the key aspects of the AHRC's work is its efforts to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between academic researchers and businesses. This is achieved through various initiatives, including the AHRC Business Links program. In this article, we will explore the concept of AHRC Business Links, its objectives, and the benefits it offers to both academic researchers and businesses.
Introduction to AHRC Business Links

The AHRC Business Links program is designed to facilitate partnerships between academic researchers and businesses, with the aim of promoting innovation, economic growth, and cultural development. The program provides funding and support for research projects that address specific business needs and challenges, while also advancing knowledge and understanding in the arts and humanities. By bringing together academic researchers and businesses, the AHRC Business Links program aims to create new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and mutual benefit.
Objectives of AHRC Business Links
The primary objectives of the AHRC Business Links program are to:
- Support research and innovation in the arts and humanities that addresses specific business needs and challenges
- Foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between academic researchers and businesses
- Promote economic growth, cultural development, and social impact through the application of arts and humanities research
- Develop new partnerships and networks between academic researchers, businesses, and other stakeholders
- Enhance the impact and relevance of arts and humanities research for business and society
Benefits of AHRC Business Links

The AHRC Business Links program offers a range of benefits to both academic researchers and businesses. For academic researchers, the program provides:
- Opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange with businesses and other stakeholders
- Funding and support for research projects that address specific business needs and challenges
- Access to new networks and partnerships that can enhance the impact and relevance of their research
- Opportunities for professional development and training in areas such as entrepreneurship, innovation, and business engagement
For businesses, the AHRC Business Links program offers:
- Access to cutting-edge research and expertise in the arts and humanities
- Opportunities for innovation and product development through collaboration with academic researchers
- Improved competitiveness and market position through the application of arts and humanities research
- Access to new networks and partnerships that can enhance their business operations and growth
Success Stories and Case Studies
The AHRC Business Links program has supported a range of successful research projects and collaborations between academic researchers and businesses. For example, a project on digital heritage and cultural tourism brought together researchers from the University of Leeds and the tourism industry to develop new digital technologies and experiences for visitors to heritage sites. Another project on creative industries and entrepreneurship partnered researchers from the University of Edinburgh with businesses in the creative sector to develop new products and services and enhance the competitiveness of the sector.
Project Title | Research Institution | Business Partner |
---|---|---|
Digital Heritage and Cultural Tourism | University of Leeds | Tourism Industry |
Creative Industries and Entrepreneurship | University of Edinburgh | Creative Sector Businesses |

Key Points
- The AHRC Business Links program supports research and innovation in the arts and humanities that addresses specific business needs and challenges
- The program fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange between academic researchers and businesses
- The program promotes economic growth, cultural development, and social impact through the application of arts and humanities research
- The program offers benefits to both academic researchers and businesses, including funding, networking opportunities, and access to new markets and technologies
- The program has supported a range of successful research projects and collaborations between academic researchers and businesses
Future Directions and Opportunities
The AHRC Business Links program has demonstrated the potential for arts and humanities research to drive innovation, economic growth, and cultural development. As the program continues to evolve and expand, there are opportunities for further collaboration and knowledge exchange between academic researchers and businesses. Some potential future directions and opportunities for the program include:
- Expanding the program to include new research areas and themes, such as digital humanities, cultural policy, and creative industries
- Developing new partnerships and networks between academic researchers, businesses, and other stakeholders, such as government agencies, cultural institutions, and community organizations
- Enhancing the impact and relevance of arts and humanities research for business and society, through the development of new products, services, and experiences
- Supporting the development of new technologies and innovations, such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the internet of things
What is the AHRC Business Links program?
+The AHRC Business Links program is a funding initiative that supports research and innovation in the arts and humanities that addresses specific business needs and challenges.
What are the benefits of the AHRC Business Links program?
+The AHRC Business Links program offers a range of benefits to both academic researchers and businesses, including funding, networking opportunities, and access to new markets and technologies.
How can I get involved in the AHRC Business Links program?
+To get involved in the AHRC Business Links program, you can visit the AHRC website and look for calls for proposals and application guidelines. You can also contact the AHRC directly to discuss potential collaboration opportunities.
The AHRC Business Links program has demonstrated the potential for arts and humanities research to drive innovation, economic growth, and cultural development. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange between academic researchers and businesses, the program has created new opportunities for mutual benefit and impact. As the program continues to evolve and expand, there are opportunities for further collaboration and knowledge exchange between academic researchers and businesses, and for the development of new products, services, and experiences that can enhance the competitiveness and growth of businesses and the economy as a whole.